Push your comedy project to the top of the commissioning editor's pile

Do you want to push the boundaries of comedy writing to its limits? Are you on a mission to interrogate big ideas like sex, politics, religion and family through comedy? Or do you just want to write a show that’s unashamedly stupid? Whether your preferred comedy genre is sitcom, comedy drama or sketch shows, the world is in a state right now and we all need a laugh. And crucially, it’s your unique and hilarious interpretation of the world that’s required.

With the dramatic rise in subscription-based video content – think Amazon, Netflix and Apple - alongside a renaissance in audio comedy courtesy of podcasts – broadcast comedy is in huge demand. There are lots of opportunities right now and a great need for new comedy writers.

At Falmouth University, we want to equip new and emergent comedy writers with the skills, tools and industry-focus which will push their projects to the top of the commissioning editor's pile and see their scripts green-lit. This online MA has been developed by award-winning comedy producer and executive producer Simon Nicholls. Simon has 20 years' comedy industry experience, developing and selling comedies in the UK and US.

On this MA, you’ll study the work of renowned writers and directors, reflect on professional trends and learn how to seize market opportunities. You’ll develop a comedy scriptwriting portfolio which will act as a calling card with which to approach comedy producers, comedy commissioners and get agent representation. Who knows, you could see yourself on the way to the BAFTAs, Oscars or Golden Globes with the next Fleabag, VEEP, Modern Family or Father Ted.

You will: 

• Learn how to write comedy sketches, sitcoms, comedy dramas and develop a body of work for multiple platforms including; radio, TV, film and online.
• Be taught by a host of comedy experts including multi-award-winning TV and Radio comedy producer and Executive Producer, Simon Nicholls who is the course module leader.
• Develop a comedy writing portfolio consisting of scripts, treatments, synopses and your responses to professional comedy briefs which can be used as a calling card to gain agent representation and to present to commissioning editors.
• Structure your working practice as a comedy writer, plotting your day, dealing with writers’ block, working to tight deadlines while remaining funny.
• Understand the role of a commissioner, the criteria by which they assess new writing and what it takes to get your project green-lit.

Why study with us?

This MA is designed to help students find success as professional comedy writers, no matter where they stand in their current career path.

You may be a recent graduate looking to gain specialist skills, or a writer hoping to learn how to adapt existing work for screen. You might be a comedy practitioner with experience elsewhere in the industry who’s keen to develop a career in comedy writing. Regardless, this course can help you realise your ambitions.

Our modules are created to equip you with the real-world capabilities needed to not only write and collaborate on comedy projects – but also to gain agency representation, secure commissions, and find employment.

Graduates of the MA will be well-positioned to work professionally as comedy writers across a range of different arenas – including radio, television, online platforms, and video games.